OP 006: Firefighting In Basements

Question 1

Name some hazards associated with fighting fires in basements?
Eight answers

Answer 1

Ventilation is difficult to achieve
Products of combustion leave the compartment through the firefighter access route, creating punishing conditions
Difficult access and egress
Confined working space
A sense of reference points, like doors and windows
Reduced effectiveness of radio Comms
Presence of building services, like electric, gas, oil intakes
Difficulty in determining the location of the seat of the fire

Firefighters have to move through the heat barrier to get to cooler conditions beneath the hot gases

Question 2

What are five types of basement openings?

Answer 2

Pavement and stallboard lights
Cellar flaps and doors
Chutes
Smoke extracts
Stairs

Question 3

What information should be gathered by BA crews when entering a basement?
Four answers

Answer 3

The layout and extent of the basement
Location of any stairs
Location of the fire and other hazards
Fixed installations and ventilation systems